Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Half-Blood
Series: Covenant #1
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Publication Date: October 18, 2011

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Synopsis:

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi-pure-bloods-have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals-well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. 

There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1: Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden.Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

So, last weekend I hunkered down and read seven different books. I know, I am a glutton for punishment because I then ended up with a migraine that lasted three days. I had put off reading several books that had been recommended by Angela (AKA The Book Pimp), over at the Reading Angel and decided that last weekend was my "get caught up" time. I won't put all the blame on Angela because I also needed to make time for a couple of series that I love who had new releases and I needed answers (which only left me with more questions and a tad bit angry.). LOL. Anyway...since I have ventured far off the topic...I want to say that my favorite two books I read that weekend were Obsidian and Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout. If you have not read either of these books, I suggest you do so quickly.

Half-Blood is completely amazing. I am amazed how many books that revolve around Greek Mythology that I absolutely love; because, I abhorred Greek Mythology in high school and college. I love that these young, hip authors are borrowing from the legends and making them refreshingly modern. Jennifer creates characters that are dynamic and complex, making you love them like hot chocolate on a cold winter's day . She also has a way of manifesting strong heroines who are completely kick-ass and not the least bit annoying. Alex (Alexandria) is one of these wonderful heroines.

Alex lost her mother to daimons and has been on the run to she doesn't know where since that horrible day. She is a fierce but relatively untrained fighter who just wants to survive. Lucky for her she is rescued by one of the finest daimon fighters known to the gods or man...the oh-so-sexy Aiden St. Delphi, a pure that Alex has no business crushing on, but hey...who can blame her. Fierce, talented, and driven by revenge; Aiden is not to be reckoned with. With Alex's complete disregard for all authority, her snarky attitude, and her questionable history; Aiden may be the only person that can keep Alex from ending up a drugged servant. Problem is, Aiden's solution may bring the two of them closer than the gods allow. 

Forced to reclaim her spot at the Covenant, Alex spends her days training and her nights...well, not exactly following the rules but attempting to not piss the-powers-that-be off too terribly bad. While Alex may feel like the world is against her, the Greek Gods have been stirring the pot as only they know how, and most of the people are only trying to protect her. The future that awaits Alex is unfathomable. The people closest to her are keeping secrets that will decide her future. Alex feels betrayed by everyone she knows...even Aiden. Getting past the secrets and lies is the only thing that can prepare Alex for her destiny.

With any Greek Mythology, there comes prophecy. Alex's prophecy is that she will kill those she loves. Unaware of exactly what this means, Alex needs to know if the future is set in stone or if free will can make a difference. You know those gods...always jacking with peoples lives. That is why I adore stories revolving around them...you just never know what will happen.

While I love Aiden and Alex, there is also a special place in my heart for Seth and Caleb. Caleb is an old friend of Alex's from before her mother kidnapped her from the Covenant. Caleb proves to be a true friend with no ulterior motives. He stands beside Alex when she fends off daimons and remains one of the few people who don't keep secrets. Seth is a whole other story. While he irritated me at times, I am dying to know where his story will go. He has that whole rocking-on-the-edge-of-evil thing going on; however, I get the feeling that he doesn't truly want to go down that road...more that he will have no choice. Hmmm...the future remains unseen at this point.

Half-Blood is a fun-filled, fast-paced, intense ride on a sexy roller-coaster of deception, lies, and unfulfilled prophecies. Heart-ache will burn you, suspense will thrill you, and love will keep the pages turning.